JAGGED WITH SOPHISTICATION
A.C.T. is bringing back a tried and true favorite: Noël Coward’s Private Lives, moving the play’s locale from France to Argentina, specifically Montevideo. An ultimate comedy of manners, this three-act play centers on a long-divorced couple, both of whom are on their honeymoons with their new respective spouses when they are hit with the ultimate surprise, having been coincidentally booked in adjacent rooms in the same hotel. After this is eventually discovered in the first act, what follows leads to chaos in an all too humorous manner. Secrets and unresolved conflicts surface that ultimately change everyone’s lives.
Gianna DiGregorio Rivera and Brady Morales-Woolery
Private Lives premiered in London in 1930 and on Broadway in 1931, and this remains the time period for A.C.T.’s production. The play was considered in some circles to be scandalous by depicting adultery in a humorous way. Coward’s wit and humor was considered to be somewhat daring and risque. Of all his writings, this play is considered his most popular and has certainly stood the test of time. A bit of trivia: The show had a revival in New York and Boston in 1983 starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. I was fortunate enough to see the production which of course had a sold-out run. They were recently divorced for the second and final time in their tumultuous relationship. The media and audiences alike were left wondering if the sharp dialogue about enduring love was their way of continuing their relationship. (Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck anyone?)
Hugo E Carbajal and Sarita Ocón
Chemistry between couples is key to the success of any production and in this case, A.C.T. got it right. Hugo E Carbajal as Elyot Chase is suave, and debonair as the handsome bon vivant. Gianna DiGregorio Rivera as his young bride Sibal Chase is pretty, petite, shrill, neurotic and annoying. Even audiences not knowing the outcome of the show can see that Elyot is clearly having misgivings even on his honeymoon.
Hugo E Carbajal and Sarita Ocón
Sarita Ocón as Amanda Prynne is smart, sophisticated and sexy. She’s a woman of a certain age that carries herself with a lot of bravado and self-confidence. She clearly cares for her younger, somewhat naive and dimwitted second husband Victor (Brady Morales-Woolery), even though she’s not in love with him in the same way she loves being worshiped by him.
Brady Morales-Woolery and Gianna DiGregorio Rivera
The wry, droll dialogue is pure entertainment. For modern day audiences not familiar with the works of Coward, know that characters have their assumed roles in the world, but when secret passions, intrigue and forbidden love come along, they humorously attempt to sort things out while trying to maintain a sense of propriety.
Sarita Ocón and Brady Morales-Woolery
All A.C.T. productions are known for their fantastic sets. Scenic designer Tanya Orellana’s tropical hotel balcony with the plants and adjoining suites will have you right there with them; you can hear the music floating up from the square (Jake Rodriguez, sound designer) and practically smell the salt air.
Hugo E Carbajal, Gianna DiGregorio Rivera, and Brady Morales-Woolery
The getaway suite in the second act is beautifully furnished with period Art Deco couches, lamps and rugs all in bright colors. This creates the perfect backdrop for romancing and relaxing. Jessie Amoroso’s period costumes visually help create the characters. The women’s colorful and clinging gowns, Victor’s dull plaid suit and Elyot’s bright white tuxedo and colorful dressing gowns showcase that these characters live a life of wealth and privilege.
Sarita Ocón, Hugo E Carbajal, Gianna DiGregorio Rivera, and Brady Morales-Woolery
Under KJ Sanchez‘s direction, the characters’ relatability and magnetism is what makes the show work. Elyot and his former wife Amanda are a delight to watch. Their past and present chemistry, knowing each other’s moods, hidden sarcasm, anger, humor and hurt are genuinely authentic. They know each other better than they know themselves — which will always hold them together. Some of the best scenes involve the characters dancing together, and Lisette Perelle’s tango instruction results in performers exchanging witty banter while flawlessly executing movement. Victor Prynne and Sibal Chase as the new younger spouses also do quite well in their roles that are basically comic relief to the antics of Elyot and Amanda.
This excellent adaptation of a timeless classic is worth seeing. Great dancing, fabulous dialogue and masterful performances make for a fun night of theater.
photos by Kevin Berne
Private Lives
A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theatre, 415 Geary Street in San Francisco
ends on October 6, 2024
for tickets, call 415-749-2228 or visit A.C.T.